2010 Volkswagen GTI

Econo-performance icon.

St. Tropez, France — When it was introduced to Europe in 1976, the Volkswagen GTi was the only game in town. A hot compact sport hatchback with rugged good looks and a sporty demeanor, the 110-bhp, 113-mph GTi (for Gran Turisimo Iniezione) set the tone for dozens of imitators seeking to capitalize on its success, which was based on the premise that a small, inexpensive hatch could be both fun to drive and affordable. By 1983 when a federalized version finally reached our shores, Japanese, French and American carmakers had weighed in on the subject. Suffice to say, the competition was stiff, especially from the Japanese. Yet, the GTI persevered (growing a capital I in its trip across the Atlantic) and remains as the benchmark against which other hot hatchbacks are measured. Innovative? Of course (think "DSG"). But also totally Teutonic, meaning that it looks, feels and drives like no other.

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Restyled inside and out and slightly reengineered (if it ain't broke, etc.), the 2010 Golf GTI represents the sixth variation on a popular theme. Notice it's once again called a Golf, VW having set aside the silliness of naming a car after a hare. Maybe someone in Wolfsburg finally read Aesop's Fables. Anyway, the latest GTI has a crisper look than its predecessor with sculpted rather than molded lines.

The current model's Audi-like front end has been replaced by a new nose with a massive lower air intake (flanked by relocated foglights) and a narrow grille complete with red outline in homage to the first GTI. This gives the car a wider, more aggressive stance, a design theme that's carried along the slightly concave-looking sides (set off by beefy aero sills and a creased beltline) to the rear end, which features taillights that are more rectangular than round. The rear bumper surround is more pronounced and blends in smartly with the flared rear wheel arches. Setting off this visual array is a well-defined lower diffuser bracketed by dual exhaust pipes.

Like the exterior, the GTI's interior benefits from a significant redo, including a cleaner-looking dash and center console and a sleeker (but still substantial) steering wheel with obligatory control buttons. And, in a bow to VW traditionalists, the well bolstered seats still sport tartan plaid upholstery.

Unchanged in North America, VW's familiar 2.0-liter, turbocharged, 16-valve TSI inline-4 packs the same 200 bhp as last year's powerplant — just enough punch to make driving fun. (European GTIs get an updated engine with new pistons and rings, new oil pump, vacuum pump, high-pressure fuel pump and mass airflow sensor.) For those willing to wait, VW suggests that this 210-bhp Euro engine and a TDI diesel may show up in various limited-edition GTIs. As before, a 6-speed manual transmission is standard, while the slick-shifting DSG sequential shift auto-clutch gearbox is optional along with 18-in. alloy wheels, Bluetooth and Dynaudio, and a so-called Autobahn Package (leather interior, sport seats and sunroof) to name the top extras. And, for an extra $600 or so, drivers in a family way can opt for a 4-door.

To keep U.S. prices in line with the competition, numerous features found on the European GTI are not available here including PDC (Parking Distance Control), ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control), and Climatronic. But the most disappointing deletion is DCC (electronic damper control), which automatically tailors suspension settings to driving demands. Instead, U.S.-spec GTIs will be fitted with normal springs and shocks tuned to suit the car's sporting nature.

A sprint down the sinewy side roads of coastal Provence illustrates why Volkswagen has sold 1.7 million GTIs. Wonderfully balanced, this car loves to be driven with verve. Although purists still enjoy a brisk workout with the manual 6-speed, the DSG really makes this hatch haul.

Its 6.3-second 0–60 time and its electronically limited 129-mph top speed are about the same as last year's, but compared with the previous model, the latest GTI just looks right. And it sounds great too, thanks to a so-called "sound pipe" that channels engine sound into the passenger compartment.

Coming to a VW dealership near you this October, the 2010 GTI will carry an expected base price of about $25,000. Ask for it by name. But don't call it a Rabbit.